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Legendary guitarist Pepe Romero has always captured my heart. From his tones, feel, expression and his high energy! I'm always amazed of Pepe Romero versitility,the way he can make the the sounds and tones of the guitar go from romantic to hard driving Flamenco which makes you want to get up and dance!
For more on the legendary Pepe Romero click on the link...
For more on the legendary Pepe Romero click on the link...
Born on October 19, 1955, French interpreter, composer, arranger and improviser Roland Dyens began guitar studies at the age of nine. Four years later he became a student of Spanish Master guitarist Alberto Ponce and, in 1976, was awarded the Licence de Concert de l’École Normale de Musique de Paris.
While learning his instrument, Roland Dyens also studied composition with the renowned teacher, composer and conductor Désiré Dondeyne under whose guidance he was awarded the First Prize in Harmony, Counterpoint and Analysis.
Roland Dyens is ranked highest in the "Top 100" list of most recorded original works for the guitar by living composers, worldwide. Furthermore, three of Dyens' compositions are part these 100, according to the remarkable book by the Canadian musicologist Enrique Robichaud, "Guitar's Top 100 : Classical Guitar's Most
Recorded Music" published in 2013.
For more about Legendary Guitarist Roland Dyens click on link..
While learning his instrument, Roland Dyens also studied composition with the renowned teacher, composer and conductor Désiré Dondeyne under whose guidance he was awarded the First Prize in Harmony, Counterpoint and Analysis.
Roland Dyens is ranked highest in the "Top 100" list of most recorded original works for the guitar by living composers, worldwide. Furthermore, three of Dyens' compositions are part these 100, according to the remarkable book by the Canadian musicologist Enrique Robichaud, "Guitar's Top 100 : Classical Guitar's Most
Recorded Music" published in 2013.
For more about Legendary Guitarist Roland Dyens click on link..
I was turned on to Michael Brecker's music in the 70's. Growing up on Rock & Roll my guitar teacher told me that we had to open my ears. My teacher told me to check out a recording called Heavy Metal Be-Bop by the Brecker Brothers. I went out with little money I had at the time and bought the Record. These were the days that 38 records were still the thing! Once I played the record I was floored on this type of music called fusion. I have been hooked ever since. Michael Brecker's feel, phrasing, tones, and stretching the Saxophone to new boundaries by using electronics with a saxophone such as Flangers, Harmonizers, syths was also amazing to me! Michael Brecker also invented the sax syth and that instrument has become Legendary! To me Michael Brecker will always be the Jimi Hendrix of the Saxophone. Here is more on Legendary Saxophonist Michael Brecker..
Legendary Saxophonist Michael Brecker (March 29, 1949 – January 13, 2007) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Michael Brecker is widely regarded as the most influential tenor saxophonist since John Coltrane," Michael Brecker has been awarded 15 Grammy Awards as both performer and composer and was inducted into Down Beat's Jazz Hall of Fame in 2007.
Michael Brecker was exposed to jazz at an early age by his father, an amateur jazz pianist.
Michael Brecker began studying clarinet, then moved to alto saxophone in school, eventually settling on the tenor saxophone as his primary instrument. He graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1967 and after only a year at Indiana University, Michael Brecker moved to New York City in 1969 where he carved out a niche for himself as a dynamic and exciting jazz soloist.
Michael Brecker first made his mark at age 21 as a member of the jazz/rock band Dreams—a band that included his older brother Randy Brecker on trumpet, trombonist Barry Rogers, drummer Billy Cobham, Jeff Kent and Doug Lubahn. Dreams was short-lived, lasting only a year, but influential (Miles Davis was seen at some gigs prior to his recording "Jack Johnson").
Michael Brecker performed with bands which spanned from mainstream jazz to mainstream rock. Michael Brecker has appeared on over 700 albums with such artist as: James Taylor, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Lou Reed, Donald Fagen, Dire Straits, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Dan Fogelberg, Frank Sinatra, Frank Zappa, Bruce Springsteen, Parliament-Funkadelic, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Chet Baker, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, McCoy Tyner, Pat Metheny, Elvin Jones, and Claus Ogerman just to name a few.....
On February 11, 2007, Michael Brecker was awarded two posthumous Grammy awards for his involvement on his brother Randy's 2005 album Some Skunk Funk. On May 22, 2007, Michael Brecker's final recording, Pilgrimage, was released receiving a good critical response. It was recorded in August 2006 with Pat Metheny on guitar, John Patitucci on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums and Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau on piano.
Michael Brecker was critically ill when it was recorded but the other musicians involved praised the standard of his musicianship. Michael Brecker was again posthumously nominated and subsequently awarded two additional Grammy Awards for this album in the categories of Best Jazz Instrumental Solo and Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group, bringing his Grammy total to 15.
For CD's, DVD's, sound clip and more about Legendary Michael Brecker click on link...............
Legendary Saxophonist Michael Brecker (March 29, 1949 – January 13, 2007) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Michael Brecker is widely regarded as the most influential tenor saxophonist since John Coltrane," Michael Brecker has been awarded 15 Grammy Awards as both performer and composer and was inducted into Down Beat's Jazz Hall of Fame in 2007.
Michael Brecker was exposed to jazz at an early age by his father, an amateur jazz pianist.
Michael Brecker began studying clarinet, then moved to alto saxophone in school, eventually settling on the tenor saxophone as his primary instrument. He graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1967 and after only a year at Indiana University, Michael Brecker moved to New York City in 1969 where he carved out a niche for himself as a dynamic and exciting jazz soloist.
Michael Brecker first made his mark at age 21 as a member of the jazz/rock band Dreams—a band that included his older brother Randy Brecker on trumpet, trombonist Barry Rogers, drummer Billy Cobham, Jeff Kent and Doug Lubahn. Dreams was short-lived, lasting only a year, but influential (Miles Davis was seen at some gigs prior to his recording "Jack Johnson").
Michael Brecker performed with bands which spanned from mainstream jazz to mainstream rock. Michael Brecker has appeared on over 700 albums with such artist as: James Taylor, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Lou Reed, Donald Fagen, Dire Straits, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Dan Fogelberg, Frank Sinatra, Frank Zappa, Bruce Springsteen, Parliament-Funkadelic, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Chet Baker, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, McCoy Tyner, Pat Metheny, Elvin Jones, and Claus Ogerman just to name a few.....
On February 11, 2007, Michael Brecker was awarded two posthumous Grammy awards for his involvement on his brother Randy's 2005 album Some Skunk Funk. On May 22, 2007, Michael Brecker's final recording, Pilgrimage, was released receiving a good critical response. It was recorded in August 2006 with Pat Metheny on guitar, John Patitucci on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums and Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau on piano.
Michael Brecker was critically ill when it was recorded but the other musicians involved praised the standard of his musicianship. Michael Brecker was again posthumously nominated and subsequently awarded two additional Grammy Awards for this album in the categories of Best Jazz Instrumental Solo and Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group, bringing his Grammy total to 15.
For CD's, DVD's, sound clip and more about Legendary Michael Brecker click on link...............
Good friend Carl Verheyen is L.A’s first call studio guitarists. He has played on over 200 different television shows as far back as “Happy Days” and “Laverne and Shirley” and including “Cheers”, “Suddenly Susan” and “L.A. Law.” Soon Carl’s CD collection became full of the movie soundtracks he was doing like “Stand and Deliver,” “Moscow on the Hudson,” “L.A. Story,” “Dusk ‘til Dawn,” “Mr. Wrong” and the soundtrack Oscar winner “The Milagro Beanfield Wars.” Most recently Carl was a featured soloist on “Ratatouille” and many episodes of “Lost,” “Scrubs” and “Samantha Who?” Due to the anonymous nature of studio work, not a day goes by when you don’t hear Carl on one thing or another: in the movie theaters, on TV, or over the radio.
Carl has presently been working on the new Star Trek movie, due out in summer of 09. Carl is also working heavy on his solo career work 24 / 7. Check out Carl's 10 CD’s and clips on Carl's site.
Carl's most recent release THE ROAD DIVIDES Double-Live CD ~ CARL VERHEYEN BAND available September 1..
Click on link for more.........
Carl has presently been working on the new Star Trek movie, due out in summer of 09. Carl is also working heavy on his solo career work 24 / 7. Check out Carl's 10 CD’s and clips on Carl's site.
Carl's most recent release THE ROAD DIVIDES Double-Live CD ~ CARL VERHEYEN BAND available September 1..
Click on link for more.........
From Jazz (Weather Report), to Rock (Frank Zappa and the Mothers), to Pop (Genesis/Phil Collins) to Gospel (Ron Kenoly), Chester Thompson has surpassed the boundaries of musical genres. Chester's performance and recording experiences have influenced over three decades of music and musicians. Whether he is playing drum kit or percussion, Chester's masterful subtleties and unyielding time create the firm musical foundation for any musical genre. Every time Chester plays he gives 110% - there is no such thing as practice...
For More About Legendary Drummer Chester Thomposon Click On Link...
For More About Legendary Drummer Chester Thomposon Click On Link...
I recently had the honor to meet master classical guitarist Ben Bolt at MTSU Tennessee Guitar Festival. Ben has amazing touch, feel and emotion on the classical guitar. Ben also is such a nice person and helped answered questions I had about my classical guitar technique. If you get a chance to see Ben Bolt live it's worth every penny! Here is more about Ben Bolt and why he is such an legendary master guitarist.
Ben Bolt set sail for Spain when he was seventeen. His goal was to study with the "Father of Classical Guitar", Andrés Segovia. In the year 1971. It would take Ben nearly three years to turn his vision into reality. Ben's first teacher in Spain was Jose Luis Rodrigo. On Ben's eighteenth birthday while registering for the draft at the United States Embassy in Madrid, his destiny magically appeared. Sitting just two meters away was maestro Andres Segovia. He was waiting to sign his visa papers to enter America for his celebrated annual tour. After Ben introduced himself, Segovia helped this young man by setting up lessons with one of his assistants, Jose Tomas.
All of Ben’s sacrifice would soon be rewarded in Madrid, the summer of 1973. He would study with the ultimate, Andres Segovia. At nineteen, Segovia, out of his own pocket, bequeathed a full scholarship for Ben to continue his music studies in Spain! "Clean, with a sound to be admired!" Andres Segovia. Ben Bolt first received national attention in "Spotlight", an article written by Mike Varney, columnist for Guitar player magazine. His arrangement of Bach's Bourree in E minor was the first classical guitar transcription to appear in "Guitar for the Practicing Musician" bringing classical guitar to the attention of heavy metal guitarists worldwide. His signing contracts with Cherry Lane Music in New York soon followed. Ben Bolt highlighted more success with the publication of his version of Classical Gas by Mason Williams
Mel Bay Music Publishers Inc., the foremost publisher of guitar instructions in the world, credits Ben Bolt with being the first guitarist ever to introduce the classical guitar to the masses using notation, tablature, and the recording format, in the same package. Ben Bolt has inked three bestsellers for his achievements with Mel Bay. His best selling titles with Cherry Lane Music (dist. by Hal Leonard), "39 Progressive Guitar Solos Volumes 1 & 2" have been in print for over two decades. Along with Walt Disney, Luciano Pavarotti, and Shinichi Suzuki, Ben Bolt is the first and only guitarist inducted into Delta Omicron as a National Patron.
For more about Ben Bolt, Ben Bolt's books, Video's, and Concerts.
Click on link.................................
Ben Bolt set sail for Spain when he was seventeen. His goal was to study with the "Father of Classical Guitar", Andrés Segovia. In the year 1971. It would take Ben nearly three years to turn his vision into reality. Ben's first teacher in Spain was Jose Luis Rodrigo. On Ben's eighteenth birthday while registering for the draft at the United States Embassy in Madrid, his destiny magically appeared. Sitting just two meters away was maestro Andres Segovia. He was waiting to sign his visa papers to enter America for his celebrated annual tour. After Ben introduced himself, Segovia helped this young man by setting up lessons with one of his assistants, Jose Tomas.
All of Ben’s sacrifice would soon be rewarded in Madrid, the summer of 1973. He would study with the ultimate, Andres Segovia. At nineteen, Segovia, out of his own pocket, bequeathed a full scholarship for Ben to continue his music studies in Spain! "Clean, with a sound to be admired!" Andres Segovia. Ben Bolt first received national attention in "Spotlight", an article written by Mike Varney, columnist for Guitar player magazine. His arrangement of Bach's Bourree in E minor was the first classical guitar transcription to appear in "Guitar for the Practicing Musician" bringing classical guitar to the attention of heavy metal guitarists worldwide. His signing contracts with Cherry Lane Music in New York soon followed. Ben Bolt highlighted more success with the publication of his version of Classical Gas by Mason Williams
Mel Bay Music Publishers Inc., the foremost publisher of guitar instructions in the world, credits Ben Bolt with being the first guitarist ever to introduce the classical guitar to the masses using notation, tablature, and the recording format, in the same package. Ben Bolt has inked three bestsellers for his achievements with Mel Bay. His best selling titles with Cherry Lane Music (dist. by Hal Leonard), "39 Progressive Guitar Solos Volumes 1 & 2" have been in print for over two decades. Along with Walt Disney, Luciano Pavarotti, and Shinichi Suzuki, Ben Bolt is the first and only guitarist inducted into Delta Omicron as a National Patron.
For more about Ben Bolt, Ben Bolt's books, Video's, and Concerts.
Click on link.................................
If you’ve never known about the person Les Paul you should!
The legendary guitarist was the inventor of the tape delay, multi-track recorder, Gibson solid body, just to name a few.
Les Paul Passed Aug 13th, 2009. Les Paul did so much for the music industry and why we are able to make recordings. Les Paul brought the first 8 track multi-track tape recorder to the music industry and why every one in music are able to record and overdub parts on recordings.
Words for me aren't enough how the Legendary Les Paul has brought so much into my heart as an inventor, musician, and what we have in the musician's world of music.
RIP Les and your sprit will always live on!
Chris "Nashvillerocker" DiMella
For More on the Legendary Les Paul click on link..........................
The legendary guitarist was the inventor of the tape delay, multi-track recorder, Gibson solid body, just to name a few.
Les Paul Passed Aug 13th, 2009. Les Paul did so much for the music industry and why we are able to make recordings. Les Paul brought the first 8 track multi-track tape recorder to the music industry and why every one in music are able to record and overdub parts on recordings.
Words for me aren't enough how the Legendary Les Paul has brought so much into my heart as an inventor, musician, and what we have in the musician's world of music.
RIP Les and your sprit will always live on!
Chris "Nashvillerocker" DiMella
For More on the Legendary Les Paul click on link..........................
Andrés Torres Segovia (21 February 1893–2 June 1987) was a Spanish classical guitarist born in Linares, Jaén, Spain. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures of the classical guitar in the beginning and mid 20th century.
Segovia's main musical aesthetic preferences were Spanish romantic and Spanish nationalist music of the late 19th and early 20th century Segovia's first public performance was in Spain at the age of 16, and a few years later he held his first professional concert in Madrid, playing guitar transcriptions by Francisco Tárrega and some works by J.S. Bach, which he had transcribed and arranged himself.
Although he was always discouraged by his family, and looked down on by many of Tárrega's pupils, he always continued to diligently pursue his studies of the guitar.
Both Segovia and Miguel Llobet (who taught Segovia several of his transcriptions of Granados' piano works) plucked the strings with a combination of his fingernails and fingertips, producing a sharper sound than many of his contemporaries. With this technique, it was possible to create a wider range of timbres, or tones, than when using the fingertips or nails alone. Historically, classical guitarists have debated which of these techniques is the best approach. The vast majority of classical guitarists now play with a combination of the fingernails and fingertips.
Segovia had many students throughout his career. Among the more famous are Christopher Parkening, John Williams, Elliot Fisk and Oscar Ghiglia. These students, along with the many others, carry on Segovia's tradition, while at the same time expanding the classical guitar's presence, repertoire, and musical boundaries.Segovia not only taught students himself, he indirectly taught and influenced thousands and thousands of guitarists world wide. He is truly the father of the classical guitar.
For music and books on Legendary classical guitarist Andrés Torres Segovia
Click on link..................................
Segovia's main musical aesthetic preferences were Spanish romantic and Spanish nationalist music of the late 19th and early 20th century Segovia's first public performance was in Spain at the age of 16, and a few years later he held his first professional concert in Madrid, playing guitar transcriptions by Francisco Tárrega and some works by J.S. Bach, which he had transcribed and arranged himself.
Although he was always discouraged by his family, and looked down on by many of Tárrega's pupils, he always continued to diligently pursue his studies of the guitar.
Both Segovia and Miguel Llobet (who taught Segovia several of his transcriptions of Granados' piano works) plucked the strings with a combination of his fingernails and fingertips, producing a sharper sound than many of his contemporaries. With this technique, it was possible to create a wider range of timbres, or tones, than when using the fingertips or nails alone. Historically, classical guitarists have debated which of these techniques is the best approach. The vast majority of classical guitarists now play with a combination of the fingernails and fingertips.
Segovia had many students throughout his career. Among the more famous are Christopher Parkening, John Williams, Elliot Fisk and Oscar Ghiglia. These students, along with the many others, carry on Segovia's tradition, while at the same time expanding the classical guitar's presence, repertoire, and musical boundaries.Segovia not only taught students himself, he indirectly taught and influenced thousands and thousands of guitarists world wide. He is truly the father of the classical guitar.
For music and books on Legendary classical guitarist Andrés Torres Segovia
Click on link..................................
Legendary Drummer Steve Gadd is a Musician's Musician in the world of Drummers. Steve has so much feel, is Versatile in a all styles and does them all so well. You might know him best for playing with other huge name Artist as: Eric Clapton, Chuck Mangione,Paul Simon, Weather Reoprt, Barbra Streisand,Chick Corea, Mike Brecker, James Taylor, and countless other recordings.
Here is a little history about Legendary Drummer Steve Gadd.
Steve Gadd was born April 9th, 1945 in Rochester, N.Y. At age three his Uncle Eddie
(a former army drummer) gave him his first pair of sticks and a round piece of wood, which was his practice pad. Four years later he started his first private studies with Elmer Frolig at Levis Music. When Steve was 14 he met John Beck, who then became his teacher right thru til his graduation from The Eastman School Of Music.
Upon graduation from Eastridge High School continued his studies first at the Manhattan School of Music and then returned to The Eastman School and his teacher John Beck. Another important relationship began with Chick Corea around 1965. Steve started a trio with Mike Holmes and Tony Levin, this was 1972. One of his first major gigs was with Mike Maineri's White Elephant, who's ensemble featured artist's such as The Brecker Brothers, John Faddis, Warren Bernhardt and many others who all went on to becoming the cream of New Yorks first call studio musicians.
1983 saw the first instructional drum <script type="text/javascript" src="http://nashvillerocker.com.b1.hostkarma.com/sitebuilder/static/scripts/tinymce/3.0.6.2/jscripts/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js"></script>video put out by Hudson Music. In Session and Up Close are still selling well and an important part of any drummers library. 1988 Steve formed his own group, The Gadd Gang with Richard Tee, Eddie Gomez, Conell Dupree and Ronnie Cuber. In the 90's Steve was busy and versatile as ever, working with Eric Clapton, Paul Simon and some serious returning to jazz roots with Michel Petrucciani. 2003 saw Steve receive Zildjian's American Drummers Achievement Award. 2005...This year has an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee School Of Music and induction in to The Percussive Arts Society Hall Of Fame in November.
Recently In early September, Steve reunited and recorded a new album with the Manhattan Jazz Quintet! Steve is performing with Joe Sample and Randy Crawford.
For more on Steve Gadd, CD's and Video's.
Click on link....................................................
Here is a little history about Legendary Drummer Steve Gadd.
Steve Gadd was born April 9th, 1945 in Rochester, N.Y. At age three his Uncle Eddie
(a former army drummer) gave him his first pair of sticks and a round piece of wood, which was his practice pad. Four years later he started his first private studies with Elmer Frolig at Levis Music. When Steve was 14 he met John Beck, who then became his teacher right thru til his graduation from The Eastman School Of Music.
Upon graduation from Eastridge High School continued his studies first at the Manhattan School of Music and then returned to The Eastman School and his teacher John Beck. Another important relationship began with Chick Corea around 1965. Steve started a trio with Mike Holmes and Tony Levin, this was 1972. One of his first major gigs was with Mike Maineri's White Elephant, who's ensemble featured artist's such as The Brecker Brothers, John Faddis, Warren Bernhardt and many others who all went on to becoming the cream of New Yorks first call studio musicians.
1983 saw the first instructional drum <script type="text/javascript" src="http://nashvillerocker.com.b1.hostkarma.com/sitebuilder/static/scripts/tinymce/3.0.6.2/jscripts/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js"></script>video put out by Hudson Music. In Session and Up Close are still selling well and an important part of any drummers library. 1988 Steve formed his own group, The Gadd Gang with Richard Tee, Eddie Gomez, Conell Dupree and Ronnie Cuber. In the 90's Steve was busy and versatile as ever, working with Eric Clapton, Paul Simon and some serious returning to jazz roots with Michel Petrucciani. 2003 saw Steve receive Zildjian's American Drummers Achievement Award. 2005...This year has an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee School Of Music and induction in to The Percussive Arts Society Hall Of Fame in November.
Recently In early September, Steve reunited and recorded a new album with the Manhattan Jazz Quintet! Steve is performing with Joe Sample and Randy Crawford.
For more on Steve Gadd, CD's and Video's.
Click on link....................................................
Steve Smith began studying music at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1972. There he received valuable instruction from such renowned teachers as Gary Chaffee and Alan Dawson.
In 1974 Smith's professional career began in full, at 19 years old, with his tenure in the Lin Biviano Big Band, which he toured and recorded with for the next two years. At that same time he also performed with bebopper Buddy DeFranco and was a member of free-jazz group The Fringe featuring George Garzone. In 1976, Smith began his association with jazz/fusion by joining violinist Jean Luc Ponty and recording the album "Enigmatic Ocean" (Atlantic 1977), which also featured guitarist Allan Holdsworth. However, it was while touring with rocker Ronnie Montrose a year later that Smith was asked to join the popular rock band Journey which brought his playing to the attention of a young rock audience.
In 1985 Smith left Journey to pursue his original passion, jazz, and to continue his developing career as a session player. Smith began leading his own fusion band Steve Smith and Vital Information. Steve is also the bandleader of Steve Smith’s Jazz Legacy, a group carrying on the tradition of many of the great drummer-led jazz bands.
Steve Smith has worked with: Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, Zakir Hussain, George Brooks’ Summit, the Buddy Rich Big Band,Dave Liebman, Anthony Jackson, Frank Gambale, Stu Hamm, Tom Coster, Larry Coryell, Jerry Goodman, Howard Levy, Steve Marcus, Scott Henderson, Victor Wooten. Just to name a few...........
Steve Smith's Recent works include:Flashpoint,Modern Drummer Presents Drum Nation,Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies: Live at Ronnie Scott's, Set Two. For more about Steve Smith, CD's and Video Clips. Click on Link..............................
In 1974 Smith's professional career began in full, at 19 years old, with his tenure in the Lin Biviano Big Band, which he toured and recorded with for the next two years. At that same time he also performed with bebopper Buddy DeFranco and was a member of free-jazz group The Fringe featuring George Garzone. In 1976, Smith began his association with jazz/fusion by joining violinist Jean Luc Ponty and recording the album "Enigmatic Ocean" (Atlantic 1977), which also featured guitarist Allan Holdsworth. However, it was while touring with rocker Ronnie Montrose a year later that Smith was asked to join the popular rock band Journey which brought his playing to the attention of a young rock audience.
In 1985 Smith left Journey to pursue his original passion, jazz, and to continue his developing career as a session player. Smith began leading his own fusion band Steve Smith and Vital Information. Steve is also the bandleader of Steve Smith’s Jazz Legacy, a group carrying on the tradition of many of the great drummer-led jazz bands.
Steve Smith has worked with: Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, Zakir Hussain, George Brooks’ Summit, the Buddy Rich Big Band,Dave Liebman, Anthony Jackson, Frank Gambale, Stu Hamm, Tom Coster, Larry Coryell, Jerry Goodman, Howard Levy, Steve Marcus, Scott Henderson, Victor Wooten. Just to name a few...........
Steve Smith's Recent works include:Flashpoint,Modern Drummer Presents Drum Nation,Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies: Live at Ronnie Scott's, Set Two. For more about Steve Smith, CD's and Video Clips. Click on Link..............................
For more than 20 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community as one of the great living drummers. For this, he has received numerous accolades and honors; Modern Drummer inducted Dave into their Hall of Fame and named him "one of the 25 best drummers of all time."
While playing the club scene in New York City with a band called Nite Sprite, Dave started to receive accolades from established studio musicians such as Steve Kahn, Michael Brecker, and especially drumming great Peter Erskine.
Michael Brecker suggested to Chick Corea that he look into Dave's services for his new Elektric Band. That was the beginning of a seven year relationship with both the Elektric and Akoustic Bands, where nine recordings and three videos were produced, including a Grammy for the first Akoustic Band release.
As a solo artist, Dave has recorded and produced nine recordings to date. Dave Weckl Band has released five studio records.Dave regularly joins guitarist Mike Stern, among others. When off the road,He also accepts a limited number of private students - and offers classes through the Virtual Drummer School.
Dave Weckl's most recent release is Live in Gualdo (bootleg) The Dave Weckl Band. For more on Dave, clips of his CD's, DVD's and gear click on link.........................................
While playing the club scene in New York City with a band called Nite Sprite, Dave started to receive accolades from established studio musicians such as Steve Kahn, Michael Brecker, and especially drumming great Peter Erskine.
Michael Brecker suggested to Chick Corea that he look into Dave's services for his new Elektric Band. That was the beginning of a seven year relationship with both the Elektric and Akoustic Bands, where nine recordings and three videos were produced, including a Grammy for the first Akoustic Band release.
As a solo artist, Dave has recorded and produced nine recordings to date. Dave Weckl Band has released five studio records.Dave regularly joins guitarist Mike Stern, among others. When off the road,He also accepts a limited number of private students - and offers classes through the Virtual Drummer School.
Dave Weckl's most recent release is Live in Gualdo (bootleg) The Dave Weckl Band. For more on Dave, clips of his CD's, DVD's and gear click on link.........................................
Born in Pativilca, Peru, Acuña played in local bands from the age of ten, and moved to Lima as a teenager. At the age of eighteen he joined the band of Perez Prado, and in 1967 he moved to Puerto Rico. In 1974 Acuña moved to Las Vegas, working with artists such as Elvis Presley and Diana Ross, and the following year he joined the jazz-fusion group Weather Report, appearing on the albums Black Market and Heavy Weather.
Alex Acuña left Weather Report in 1978, and became a session musician in California, recording and playing live with: Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Jim Walker, Chick Corea, Whitney Houston, Plácido Domingo, Phil Keaggy, Sergeant Petter, Sam Phillips, former Weather Report bandmates Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Beck, Roberta Flack, U2, and Al Jarreau to name a few.
Alex Acuna can also be found on recordings by musicians as culturally diverse as Lee Ritenour, Peter Gabriel, Johnny Clegg, Robbie Robertson & Jackson Browne.
Recent recording include: No Accent (Alex Acuna and The Unknowns), Los Hijos Del Sol "To My Country"
The Unknowns are: Alex Acuña - Drums & Percussion, Pedro Eustache - Saxophones, Flute and Duduk, Richie Gajate-Garcia - Percussion, John Peña - Bass,Otmaro Ruiz - Piano & Keyboards, Ramon Stagnaro - Acoustic & Electric Guitars.
For more on Legendary Drummer & Percussionist Alex Acuna, CD's and Video's.
Click on link...............................
Alex Acuña left Weather Report in 1978, and became a session musician in California, recording and playing live with: Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Jim Walker, Chick Corea, Whitney Houston, Plácido Domingo, Phil Keaggy, Sergeant Petter, Sam Phillips, former Weather Report bandmates Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Beck, Roberta Flack, U2, and Al Jarreau to name a few.
Alex Acuna can also be found on recordings by musicians as culturally diverse as Lee Ritenour, Peter Gabriel, Johnny Clegg, Robbie Robertson & Jackson Browne.
Recent recording include: No Accent (Alex Acuna and The Unknowns), Los Hijos Del Sol "To My Country"
The Unknowns are: Alex Acuña - Drums & Percussion, Pedro Eustache - Saxophones, Flute and Duduk, Richie Gajate-Garcia - Percussion, John Peña - Bass,Otmaro Ruiz - Piano & Keyboards, Ramon Stagnaro - Acoustic & Electric Guitars.
For more on Legendary Drummer & Percussionist Alex Acuna, CD's and Video's.
Click on link...............................
"Cannonball" Adderley (September 15, 1928 – August 8, 1975), jazz alto saxophonist of the small combo era of the 1950s and 1960s. Originally from Tampa, Florida, he moved to New York in the mid 1950s. "Cannonball" Adderley's educational career was long established prior to teaching applied instrumental music classes at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Cannonball was a local legend in Florida until he moved to New York City in 1955.
"Cannonball Adderly joined the Miles Davis sextet in 1957, around the time that John Coltrane left the group to join Thelonious Monk's band. (Coltrane would return to Davis's group in 1958). Adderley played on the seminal Davis records Milestones and Kind of Blue. This period also overlapped with pianist Bill Evans's time with the sextet, an association that led to recording Portrait of Cannonball and Know What I Mean?.
By the end of 1960s, Adderley's playing began to reflect the influence of the electric jazz avant-garde, and Miles Davis' experiments on the album Bitches Brew.[citation needed] On his albums from this period, such as The Price You Got to Pay to Be Free (1970), he began doubling on soprano saxophone, showing the influence of John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter.
Recordings include: Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at 'The Club,Them Dirty Blues,Know What I Mean?,Somethin' Else,Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago with John Coltrane.
DVD's include: Jazz Icons: Cannonball Adderley - Live in '63,Jazz Casual - Cannonball Adderley and The Modern Jazz Quartet,Jazz Scene USA - Cannonball Adderley Sextet/Teddy Edwards Sextet,Swing Era: Count Basie.
For more on the Legendary "Cannonball" Aderly, CD's and Video's click on link...............
"Cannonball Adderly joined the Miles Davis sextet in 1957, around the time that John Coltrane left the group to join Thelonious Monk's band. (Coltrane would return to Davis's group in 1958). Adderley played on the seminal Davis records Milestones and Kind of Blue. This period also overlapped with pianist Bill Evans's time with the sextet, an association that led to recording Portrait of Cannonball and Know What I Mean?.
By the end of 1960s, Adderley's playing began to reflect the influence of the electric jazz avant-garde, and Miles Davis' experiments on the album Bitches Brew.[citation needed] On his albums from this period, such as The Price You Got to Pay to Be Free (1970), he began doubling on soprano saxophone, showing the influence of John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter.
Recordings include: Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at 'The Club,Them Dirty Blues,Know What I Mean?,Somethin' Else,Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago with John Coltrane.
DVD's include: Jazz Icons: Cannonball Adderley - Live in '63,Jazz Casual - Cannonball Adderley and The Modern Jazz Quartet,Jazz Scene USA - Cannonball Adderley Sextet/Teddy Edwards Sextet,Swing Era: Count Basie.
For more on the Legendary "Cannonball" Aderly, CD's and Video's click on link...............
At the age of 22, Vinnie Colaiuta auditioned for Frank Zappa, an audition that involved performing the notoriously difficult piece entitled "The Black Page". The audition was successful and Vinnie Colaiuta went on to work with Zappa as his principal drummer for studio and live performances. he played on the successful Zappa albums Tinsel Town Rebellion, Joe's Garage and Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar. Joe's Garage was named one of the top-25 drumming performances of all time in a 1993 Modern Drummer article.
After leaving Zappa, Vinnie went on to work with a long list of notable rock and pop artists, including Gino Vannelli, Joni Mitchell, Barbra Streisand, Sandy & Junior, Clannad, Wang Chung, Chaka Khan, and Jeff Beck. Vinnie has also appeared with many notable jazz musicians, including Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Haslip, Quincy Jones, the Buddy Rich Big Band and Buell Neidlinger. Vinnie Colaiuta has released a number of solo recordings and still remains one of the most in demand studio musicians playing on countless albums, film soundtracks, TV and radio jingles. Colaiuta was inducted into the Modern Drummer "Hall of Fame" in 1996. The publication also cited Colaiuta as being the most important drummer of our time.
Most recently Vinnie Colaiuta has worked with: Faith Hill, Megadeth, Jeff Beck, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Michael Landau, Asia and Michael McDonald. just to name a few.
For more on Legendary Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta click on link.....................................
After leaving Zappa, Vinnie went on to work with a long list of notable rock and pop artists, including Gino Vannelli, Joni Mitchell, Barbra Streisand, Sandy & Junior, Clannad, Wang Chung, Chaka Khan, and Jeff Beck. Vinnie has also appeared with many notable jazz musicians, including Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Haslip, Quincy Jones, the Buddy Rich Big Band and Buell Neidlinger. Vinnie Colaiuta has released a number of solo recordings and still remains one of the most in demand studio musicians playing on countless albums, film soundtracks, TV and radio jingles. Colaiuta was inducted into the Modern Drummer "Hall of Fame" in 1996. The publication also cited Colaiuta as being the most important drummer of our time.
Most recently Vinnie Colaiuta has worked with: Faith Hill, Megadeth, Jeff Beck, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Michael Landau, Asia and Michael McDonald. just to name a few.
For more on Legendary Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta click on link.....................................
Paulinho Da Costa percussionist born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is considered one of the most recorded musicians of modern times. Playing over 200 percussion instruments, he participated in thousands of recording sessions, Grammy Award winning albums, hit songs, soundtracks, radio and television commercials.
He has done crossover work in a variety of music genres including: Brazilian, Blues, Christian, Country, Disco, Gospel, hip hop, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Rhythm and Blues, Rock, Soul, and World Music.
For more on Legendary Percussionist Paulinho DaCosta, Credits, CD's and Video.
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He has done crossover work in a variety of music genres including: Brazilian, Blues, Christian, Country, Disco, Gospel, hip hop, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Rhythm and Blues, Rock, Soul, and World Music.
For more on Legendary Percussionist Paulinho DaCosta, Credits, CD's and Video.
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Dennis Chambers has recorded and performed with Steve Khan, John Scofield, Carl Filipiak, Steely Dan, Santana, Parliament/Funkadelic, John McLaughlin, Niacin, Mike Stern, and many others. Dennis Chambers exploded onto the scene with John Scofield's Blue Matter, Loud Jazz, and the incredible Pick Hits Live after being the force behind George Clinton's Mothership for many years.
Some of his current projects include the fusion release entitled CAB featuring Tony MacAlpine, Bunny Brunel, worldwide touring with supergroup Niacin and guitarist Andy Summers, and an upcoming tour with Carlos Santana in support of his new release featuring Dennis.
For more about Legendary Drummer Dennis Chambers, CD's, Video's and Gear.
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Some of his current projects include the fusion release entitled CAB featuring Tony MacAlpine, Bunny Brunel, worldwide touring with supergroup Niacin and guitarist Andy Summers, and an upcoming tour with Carlos Santana in support of his new release featuring Dennis.
For more about Legendary Drummer Dennis Chambers, CD's, Video's and Gear.
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When listening and Transcribing master Guitarist Larry Carlton Solo's, I always was looking for whom Larry listened to and got his ideas from. In an interview he mentions John Coltrain recordings. Ballads and Coltrain Plays the blues. I than ran out and picked up these recordings. I was amazed how John Coltrain could make the Saxophone sing and sustain. After Listening more and more to all the John Coltrian recordings I could find. I came to hear more of Larry Carlton’s phrasing. Below is some history of this Legendary Saxophonist.
John Coltrain (September 23, 1926 - July 17, 1967) Jazz saxophonist and composer.
Throughout John Coltrain's career he reshaped modern jazz and influenced generations of other musicians. He was astonishingly prolific: John Coltrain made about fifty recordings as a leader in twelve years, and appeared on many more led by other musicians. Throughout his career Coltrane's music took on an increasingly spiritual dimension that would color his legacy. John Coltrain received a posthumous Special Citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board in 2007 for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz." Along with tenor saxophonists Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Sonny Rollins, Coltrane fundamentally altered expectations for the saxophone.
He received a posthumous Special Citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board in 2007 for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz." Along with tenor saxophonists Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Sonny Rollins, Coltrane fundamentally altered expectations for the saxophone.
Legendary recording include: Blue Train,Giant Steps,Ballads,Kind of Blue,Coltrain Plays the blues,Impressions,The Gentle Side Of John Coltrane.
For more about Legendary Saxophonist John Coltrain, Clips of CD's and Video's.
Click on link.........................................
John Coltrain (September 23, 1926 - July 17, 1967) Jazz saxophonist and composer.
Throughout John Coltrain's career he reshaped modern jazz and influenced generations of other musicians. He was astonishingly prolific: John Coltrain made about fifty recordings as a leader in twelve years, and appeared on many more led by other musicians. Throughout his career Coltrane's music took on an increasingly spiritual dimension that would color his legacy. John Coltrain received a posthumous Special Citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board in 2007 for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz." Along with tenor saxophonists Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Sonny Rollins, Coltrane fundamentally altered expectations for the saxophone.
He received a posthumous Special Citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board in 2007 for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz." Along with tenor saxophonists Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Sonny Rollins, Coltrane fundamentally altered expectations for the saxophone.
Legendary recording include: Blue Train,Giant Steps,Ballads,Kind of Blue,Coltrain Plays the blues,Impressions,The Gentle Side Of John Coltrane.
For more about Legendary Saxophonist John Coltrain, Clips of CD's and Video's.
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Best known for his stunning, crystalline octave harmonic arpeggios, Lenny Breau possessed one of the most comprehensive musical vocabularies in the history of the instrument. Although he will no doubt be most remembered for his talents as a solo artist, he was an expert jazz ensemble player who felt equally comfortable with country, flamenco. In a solo improvisational context, he could transform a familiar jazz standard into an extended tonal painting, complete with changes in meter and mood, rich harmonies, and introspective sections offset by formidable technical displays.
One of the cornerstones of the Breau style was his uncanny ability to play chords with his right-hand thumb and first two fingers, while superimposing single-note lines with the third finger and pinky. He occasionally added a bass line to this concept, resulting in a mind-boggling three-voice tapestry that made an indelible impression on all who heard it.
For more on THE LEGENDARY LENNY BREAU and recordings click on link....................
One of the cornerstones of the Breau style was his uncanny ability to play chords with his right-hand thumb and first two fingers, while superimposing single-note lines with the third finger and pinky. He occasionally added a bass line to this concept, resulting in a mind-boggling three-voice tapestry that made an indelible impression on all who heard it.
For more on THE LEGENDARY LENNY BREAU and recordings click on link....................
When I first heard Charlie "Bird" Parker I couldn't believe how fast he could improvise on the Saxophone. He would play at unbelievable tempo's ranging 260 bpm. For all you shredding guitarist. Listening to Charlie Parker recordings will blow you away! Below is some history on the Legendary Saxophonist.
Charles Parker (August 29, 1920 – March 12, 1955) jazz saxophonist and composer.
Charlie Parker is widely considered one of the most influential of jazz musicians, along with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Parker acquired the nickname "Yardbird" early in his career, and the shortened form "Bird" remained Parker's sobriquet for the rest of his life, inspiring the titles of a number of Parker compositions, such as "Yardbird Suite" and "Ornithology."
Charlie Parker played a leading role in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuoso technique, and improvisation based on harmonic structure. Parker's innovative approaches to melody, rhythm, and harmony exercised enormous influence on his contemporaries. Several of Parker's songs have become standards, including "Billie's Bounce," "Anthropology," "Ornithology," and "Confirmation". Charlie Parker introduced revolutionary harmonic ideas including a tonal vocabulary employing 9ths, 11ths and 13ths of chords, rapidly implied passing chords, and new variants of altered chords and chord substitutions.
Charlie Parker also contributed a vast rhythmic vocabulary to the modern jazz solo, one in which triplets and pick-up notes were used in (then) unorthodox ways to lead into chord tones, affording the soloist with more freedom to use passing tones which soloists would have previously avoided. Within this context, Parker was admired for his unique style of phrasing and innovative use of rhythm. Via his recordings and the popularity of the posthumously published "Charlie Parker Omnibook", Parker's uniquely identifiable vocabulary of "licks" and "riffs" dominated jazz for many years to come. Recordings of Charlie Parker were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
For more on Legendary Charlie "Bird" Parker, clips of CD's and Video's
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Charles Parker (August 29, 1920 – March 12, 1955) jazz saxophonist and composer.
Charlie Parker is widely considered one of the most influential of jazz musicians, along with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Parker acquired the nickname "Yardbird" early in his career, and the shortened form "Bird" remained Parker's sobriquet for the rest of his life, inspiring the titles of a number of Parker compositions, such as "Yardbird Suite" and "Ornithology."
Charlie Parker played a leading role in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuoso technique, and improvisation based on harmonic structure. Parker's innovative approaches to melody, rhythm, and harmony exercised enormous influence on his contemporaries. Several of Parker's songs have become standards, including "Billie's Bounce," "Anthropology," "Ornithology," and "Confirmation". Charlie Parker introduced revolutionary harmonic ideas including a tonal vocabulary employing 9ths, 11ths and 13ths of chords, rapidly implied passing chords, and new variants of altered chords and chord substitutions.
Charlie Parker also contributed a vast rhythmic vocabulary to the modern jazz solo, one in which triplets and pick-up notes were used in (then) unorthodox ways to lead into chord tones, affording the soloist with more freedom to use passing tones which soloists would have previously avoided. Within this context, Parker was admired for his unique style of phrasing and innovative use of rhythm. Via his recordings and the popularity of the posthumously published "Charlie Parker Omnibook", Parker's uniquely identifiable vocabulary of "licks" and "riffs" dominated jazz for many years to come. Recordings of Charlie Parker were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
For more on Legendary Charlie "Bird" Parker, clips of CD's and Video's
Click on Link...........................
I have had the good fortune to meet legendary luither Bob Benedetto here in Nashville,TN, Namm shows. I also had the honor to play the stratovarius of archtop guitars. To this day I'm spoiled by the tone that Bendetto guitars produce. Bob Bendetto is also one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. He takes time out for everyone and treats them like star players. Below is some history on legendary luither Bob Benedetto.
Robert Benedetto is widely acknowledged as today's foremost maker of archtop guitars. Over a prolific four-decade career, he has personally handcrafted nearly 800 instruments, including 500 archtops.
Robert Benedetto was born October 22, 1946 in the Bronx, New York, into a family of artists, cabinet makers and musicians. He made his first archtop guitar in 1968 which consisted of European cello woods for the top and back from H.L Wild. One of John D'Angelico's old sources. For a neck he used his families old well seasoned 30 yr old maple kitchen table which his father approved.
Robert Benedetto's reputation grew as he crafted guitars for legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, Chuck Wayne, Joe Diorio and Cal Collins, and, later, Johnny Smith, Jack Wilkins, Ron Eschete, Martin Taylor, Howard Alden, John Pizzarelli, Andy Summers, Jimmy Bruno and Kenny Burrell (collectively known as “The Benedetto Players”). His guitars appear on countless recordings, TV & film soundtracks, in videos, books, magazines, museums (including the Smithsonian Institution) and concerts worldwide.
In 2006, Benedetto joined forces with Howard Paul to bring Benedetto Guitars to the next level, manufacturing a broad line of more affordable professional instruments without compromising the unparalleled Benedetto worldwide reputation for singular quality. The company, to be located in Savannah, Georgia, will play a part in both the business and cultural communities.
For more info on Legendary luthier Bob Benedetto, Benedetto Guitars, Books, DVD's, amazing Benedetto story and more.
click on link…………………………………
Robert Benedetto is widely acknowledged as today's foremost maker of archtop guitars. Over a prolific four-decade career, he has personally handcrafted nearly 800 instruments, including 500 archtops.
Robert Benedetto was born October 22, 1946 in the Bronx, New York, into a family of artists, cabinet makers and musicians. He made his first archtop guitar in 1968 which consisted of European cello woods for the top and back from H.L Wild. One of John D'Angelico's old sources. For a neck he used his families old well seasoned 30 yr old maple kitchen table which his father approved.
Robert Benedetto's reputation grew as he crafted guitars for legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, Chuck Wayne, Joe Diorio and Cal Collins, and, later, Johnny Smith, Jack Wilkins, Ron Eschete, Martin Taylor, Howard Alden, John Pizzarelli, Andy Summers, Jimmy Bruno and Kenny Burrell (collectively known as “The Benedetto Players”). His guitars appear on countless recordings, TV & film soundtracks, in videos, books, magazines, museums (including the Smithsonian Institution) and concerts worldwide.
In 2006, Benedetto joined forces with Howard Paul to bring Benedetto Guitars to the next level, manufacturing a broad line of more affordable professional instruments without compromising the unparalleled Benedetto worldwide reputation for singular quality. The company, to be located in Savannah, Georgia, will play a part in both the business and cultural communities.
For more info on Legendary luthier Bob Benedetto, Benedetto Guitars, Books, DVD's, amazing Benedetto story and more.
click on link…………………………………
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